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GAFFER TAPES . . . Hemel v Ciren
I HAVEN'T trained fully since breaking my nose five weeks ago and this game probably came a week too early for me, but with Al Stanley not making it, we were decimated and after the King's Lynn result I didn't think it was fair to play the young lads.
We played a four' with Chris Weedon at left back and Chris Collins at right back. Jacko played at the back of a diamond in midfield, with Shax alongside Nathan and Matt Taylor playing just behind the front two.
In the first half we were excellent, especially after conceding so early.
In a way the goal came about because of my presence. I'm very vocal and they have not been used to that this season.
I called for the ball but Chris (Weedon) got in the way really and the ball has gone through to their centre forward.
We had the penalty soon after and I can't ever remember Jacko missing one before, so I suppose it had to come. He sent the keeper the wrong way but it hit the post.
Their heads could have dropped but that wasn't the case and there was some exceptional midfield play, from both sides, after that. Nathan was outstanding and Jacko has had a couple of very good games over Easter.
My goal was the result of a great delivery from Shax and I just got in too deep for them. I only had to let it hit me.
Nathan then hit the post from 40 yards with a shot that would have been goal of the season.
There were other chances for us too, but Bully has made two fantastic saves as well because both sides were really going for it. A draw was no good to either team.
Towards the end they sent Hunt on to make it three up front and it was counter attack after counter attack.
But their winner was another poor goal to concede. Chris (Weedon) and Nathan have gone for the same ball - there was a lack of communication and their midfielder had beaten them both to the ball. After it was played out wide I tried to read where he might play it.
Hunt gambled correctly on the near post but if he hadn't shanked it I think Bully would have made the save. The striker made a poor contact and it has gone through Bully's legs.
Even with a minute to go, Max Etheridge had the chance to score an equaliser. He was flying in at the back stick and some might say it was a penalty but for me it was good, experienced defending to nudge him out.
On another day, to play like that we would expect to get three points or a draw at worst, so to get nothing was tough. In that sort of form we can beat anyone in this league.
We are simply being penalised for a lack of know-how.
There are 21 points to play for and we are still fighting.
Chris Weedon has gone back to Salisbury after his loan spell, but I would hope his brother Ben is available again after his flu over Easter.
Chappy is available for the Hitchin game after his three-match ban so there are some selection dilemmas and, though my legs are screaming at the minute, I might play again.
Hitchin is a winnable game. If anything, there is more pressure on them. They have to win, while everyone assumes we are down already.
Maybe that's why we played so well at Hemel - the boys were very relaxed.
8:01am Thursday 27th March 2008
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